A significant milestone has been reached in the multi-million-pound project that will restore and preserve the Grade II* listed Tyne Bridge for future generations.
Structural repairs and interventions on the bridge’s hangers – located within the eastern footway – are now complete, which will enable the complex programme of works to move to the next phase.
The team behind the project have been working inside the bridge deck void since April last year where initially a full clean-up was completed to remove dirt, rust and nine tonnes of pigeon guano before further assessment, grit blasting, repairs and repainting could begin.
Inspections in the 1.5-metre-high void revealed that essential repairs were needed to strengthen key supporting hangers that carry the weight of the road traffic, along with identifying the requirement to replace several sections of supporting steel bracing which were heavily corroded beyond repair.
Achieving the latest milestone will allow restoration work to switch from the eastern to the western footway, and traffic management on the road will be switched to enable this next phase of repairs to start. This phase will replicate the same sequence of work already completed in the eastern footway.
Traffic will continue to operate using one lane in each direction for the protection of the public and the workforce.
Elsewhere on the major civil engineering project, repair work and painting has been completed under the deck of the structure on the Gateshead quayside, within the scaffolding adjacent to the tower. Grit blasting has removed 96 years of previous paint coatings – up to 11 layers in total – and the steelwork has been cleaned and repaired where required before being painted in Hollybush green.
Other steelwork repairs have been undertaken on the main structural members of the bridge within the Gateshead scaffold which involved removal and replacement of several corroded supporting steel elements.
A complex temporary works design had to be developed for each repair to allow the bridge’s load to bypass the structural members, making it safe to carry out the necessary repairs.
The scaffolding on the Gateshead quayside is currently being dismantled to reveal the major restoration work that has taken place over the last 11 months.
Esh Construction is delivering the scheme in partnership with Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council. Steven Garrigan, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: “As a North East-headquartered contractor, we take great pride in delivering this vital project which holds immense significance for the region. Achieving this latest milestone is down to the collaboration, hard work and dedication from all involved.
“Alongside this, we are also working closely within the local community to make a difference. From engaging with more than 2,000 students from both Newcastle and Gateshead schools to offering 450 days of work experience, we want to ensure that this project, that means so much to so many, inspires the next generation of construction workers.”
Cllr Juna Sathian, cabinet member for Climate and Transport at Newcastle City Council, said: “We’re almost one year into this four-year programme, and it is impressive to see the work that has taken place so far as we restore an icon to its former glory.
“These are really important works to not only preserve the bridge for future generations, but also to maintain a key asset of our highways infrastructure, used by up to 70,000 vehicles a day.
“This next milestone is testament to the dedication of all the teams involved, who are hugely proud to be part of the restoration of this iconic structure.”
Councillor John McElroy, cabinet member for the environment and transport at Gateshead Council, said: “The restoration of the Tyne Bridge is progressing really well. The team on site are achieving great things, and it’s also really important to see the wider benefits to the region.
“Children in local schools are getting to see what’s involved in this type of work, and there is a ripple effect of local contractors working on such an iconic structure, providing employment and developing skills for the future.
“We also want to thank everyone who has adjusted how they travel during the restoration work, taking different routes or switching to the bus or Metro, to help keep the region moving.”
Grit blasting has now commenced under the deck of the structure on the Newcastle quayside, within the encapsulated scaffolding.
Meanwhile further in-depth investigations and cleaning works are being carried out to check the level of repairs required under the bridge deck, within the suspended underdeck scaffold which has recently been installed.
The Tyne Bridge restoration is funded by the UK Government, as well as monies from both Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council and is being delivered by Esh Construction.
As a North East-headquartered contractor, we take great pride in delivering this vital project which holds immense significance for the region. Achieving this latest milestone is down to the collaboration, hard work and dedication from all involved."
